Thursday, September 11, 2008

Take only Photos, Leave only Bubbles

Today I read a  magazine about the Projecs- abroad organization to protect the corals,reefs and nature. I have totally agreed on all the information provided by them…. This is really true and facts.

There is a lot of negative impact on the environment is more apparent today than ever before.Unsustainable development, a rapidly growing population, exploitation of natural resources, high pollution levels, over-hunting of animals….. these are just some of the ways in which man has abused and is abusing the Earth. 

The consequeces of our actions are serious. In destroying natural and causing the extinction of animal species, the effects of which will be suffered by future generations.

Reef Facts

Corals are living organisms which evolved 200 million years ago, making humans very young with only 10,000 years on the Earth. There are 700 species of corals worldwide providing habitats to 4,000 species of fish

Corals grow incredibly sowly, no more than 10cm per year. The great barrier Reef in Australia is the longest reef, extending 2,300km long and has taken millions of years to build.

The Coral reef protects the coast from storms and tsunamis. At present: 20% of coral reefs are effectively destroyed! 24% are surviving but in critical condition and under imminent collapse! 26% are threatened by man’s activities.

What we must do:

1)   Choose Greenfins accredited dive operators

2)   Use mooring buoys, not anchors

3)   Buoyany Control – improve your buoyancy contol when driving, wear a floatation device when snorkeling, lie flat in the water and keep your legs straight, kick from the hips rathes that the knees, do not use your fins to kick corals.

4)   Learn about the Respect the reef.

Do not do:

1)   Feeding Fish – It is bad practice to feed reef fish as it changes their feeding behavior and they stop eating algae. This then overgrows the corals and kills the reefs.

2)   Seafood Restaurant – Boycott restaurants which serve dishes of endangered species such as turtle soup or steak, shark steak and shark fin soup.

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